Gov. Ricketts calls Capitol graffiti disgraceful, says time for country to unite

Gov. Pete Ricketts has expressed disappointment about the anti-Trump, anti-Ricketts graffiti spray-painted on the walls of the Capitol.

A vandal wrote “Trump = Racism” and “Ricketts = Racism” as well as “Ricketts = Racist” on the wall of the north portico as well as the south dock area of the Capitol.

“Well, while we certainly want to encourage people to express themselves and use their First Amendment rights, defacing public property is not the way to do that. I really think it is disgraceful,” Ricketts told reporters during a conference call from China, where he is on a trade mission.

Ricketts said what we want in a free society is to use free speech rights responsibly.

Ricketts declined when asked to address the derogatory message written.

Graffiti on the south side of the Capitol/Photo courtesy of Crimestopper

“Again, people are going to have all sorts of different opinions, but what I think is really problematic here is how people are destroying taxpayer property,” Ricketts said. “Our Capitol building is something that belongs to all citizens of Nebraska and for somebody to do that is really disgraceful.”

Anti-Trump protests have arisen in Omaha, where two were arrested after protests Wednesday in downtown Omaha and students staged a walkout at an Omaha high school.

Ricketts said it is time for the country to come together in wake of the election results.

“Certainly, we welcome expressions of opinion. That’s part of one of the great things about our society is that we do have that ability to express ourselves,” Ricketts told reporters. “Certainly, I have gone through tough campaigns as well and at the end of the day come together to work for the benefit of Nebraska and that’s what we have to do now for the country.”

Ricketts said the election is past and it is now time for the country to work on policy to move the country forward.